THE mother of HGV driver Andrew Nimmo has told how her family’s lives have been shattered after his death in a fatal smash.

The 24-year-old, who was originally from South Hylton in Sunderland but was living in Murton, was killed when trucker John Kirk ploughed into him on the A19.

Kirk, 26, said he had “nodded off.” A court also heard how he had been watching porn on a mobile phone. He was jailed today. Read the full story here.Gail Nimmo, Andrew’s mother, said her son’s loved ones now faced a lifetime of grief.

Here is her statement in full:

“John Kirk’s total disregard for drivers hours rules and regulations have robbed our family and Janinne and her family of a wonderful and settled family life with our beloved son and Janinnes fiancé, Andrew.

“The fact that he was severely sleep deprived and had earlier also used his mobile phone illegally whilst having two warnings for it means that he will have to live with killing Andrew for the rest of his life. He was an accident waiting to happen.

“We hope there is a message here to other drivers as to the devastation these actions can have on family and friends if they flout these laws which are in place to ensure that the roads are kept safe.

“Andrew came from a long line of HGV drivers, it was in his blood. He was a professional and competent driver. He was also a HGV mechanic and understood the health and safety issues required in finding a safe place to pull over when involved in a road traffic collision.

“He was clearly shown to be abiding by these rules when he pulled over after the Ford Focus car had collided with him minutes prior to John Kirk’s truck hitting them both.

“Our lives are shattered now, we can never get over losing our son. Andrew was very popular and loved by all of his family and his many friends.

“He looked after everyone, was a peacemaker and a gentleman. So much so that there were around 400 people at his funeral in which we had a ‘celebration of his life’.

“He had moved into his new home with Janinne and her daughter Laylah and was working hard to provide for his ready-made family.

“He worked at Smiles in Deptford from leaving school.

“From the age of 14 he would during school holidays and some Saturdays, work free of charge for the experience of becoming a HGV fitter until he could become a HGV driver like his Dad, Brother, Grandad and Great Grandad. He achieved this under the young drivers scheme, passing each test first time. He earned respect from the older drivers as he could reverse a wagon with inches to spare.

“Andrew moved to Reed Boardall transport where his dad worked and “loved his job”. He was happy and so were we, and so proud of him too.

“We are sure John Kirk did not set out to kill Andrew that day, but due to his recklessness the months before in working two jobs and having no rest periods he will now spend time in jail for his actions.

“We hope he can reflect on the devastation he has caused us all.

“Whatever sentence he receives, for us a lifetime of grief is ahead, for we will never get over the loss of our beautiful and precious son. Andrew had promised to look after us and his grandparents for the rest of our lives.

“It is a tribute to Andrew’s character that so many people have been affected by his death.”